Low-volume basal applications make quick work of volunteer trees and other unwanted brush.
While it’s best to wait until early summer for foliar plant treatments, spring is a great time for low-volume basal and cut-stump treatments. These types of individual plant treatments can give you a head start on brush control while waiting for warmer temperatures and pasture greenup.
If you’re struggling with cottonwood, elm, hedge (Osage orange, bois d’arc), locust, oak, persimmon, Russian olive, willow or other brush species, you may consider low-volume basal and basal cut-stump treatments with Remedy®, Remedy® Ultra or PastureGard® HL herbicide. These treatments can help clean up scattered, light infestations of encroaching brush and protect valuable fence lines.
These treatment methods use a high concentration of herbicide, so each sprayer load goes further. Prepare a mix that is 25% Remedy, Remedy Ultra or PastureGard HL herbicide plus 75% commercial basal oil (see the accompanying mixing guide for various sprayer sizes).
For low-volume basal applications, apply enough spray to wet the lower 12 to 15 inches on all sides of the trunk — including the root collar area — but not to the point of runoff. This method can be used any time of year, except when snow or water prevents spraying to the groundline. This method is best used to control woody species with trunks less than 6 inches in diameter at the base of the tree. Make the application at a low pressure and with a solid-cone or flat-fan nozzle. Think of it as spray-painting the treatment zone.
If the tree is larger than 6 inches in basal diameter or has mature bark in the 12- to 15-inch treatment zone, the basal cut-stump method is a better control option. Applying the solution of 25% herbicide plus 75% oil to cut stumps prevents resprouting and kills the stump for good. Simply cut the tree and spray the sides of the stump, the outer portion of the cut surface — which is the cambium ring along the inner bark — and any exposed roots at the soil surface. With the low-volume basal method, you can make this treatment any time of year, as long as snow or water doesn’t prevent proper application.
If you prefer a ready-to-use option, treat cut stumps with Tordon® RTU herbicide. Spray or paint cut stumps with undiluted Tordon RTU herbicide within the first 10 minutes after the cut. The cambium area next to the bark is the most critical area to wet.
Get more information on application methods at RangeAndPasture.com.
Low-volume Basal/Basal Cut-stump Tank-mix Guide
Remedy®, Remedy® Ultra or PastureGard® HL Herbicide + Oil-based Carrier
Sprayer Size |
25% Remedy, Remedy Ultra or PastureGard HL |
75% Oil-based Carrier |
1 gallon |
1 quart |
3 quarts |
3 gallons |
3 quarts |
9 quarts (or 2 gallons + 1 quart) |
20 gallons |
5 gallons |
15 gallons |
50 gallons |
12.5 gallons |
37.5 gallons |
Restrictions on the sale and use of Remedy® and Remedy® Ultra apply. Consult the label before purchase or use for full details. Always read and follow label directions.
Learn about seasonal opportunities, rancher success stories, and management strategies for pastures and rangeland.
